The latest releases by Tran Thanh and Ly Hai, The 4 Rascals and Lat Mat 8: Vong Tay Nang (Face Off 8), were noticeably absent from the competition category for Vietnamese films at the 3rd Da Nang Asian Film Festival (DANAFF III), despite their impressive box office performances.

Still, the festival will feature a robust lineup, including seven out of fourteen entries that have each grossed over 100 billion VND (approximately USD 3.9 million), with a wide range of genres that previously captivated local audiences.

The organizing committee of DANAFF III has officially announced the list of 14 films competing in the Vietnamese Feature Film category. Unlike the past two editions, two of Vietnam’s biggest box office draws, Tran Thanh and Ly Hai, did not submit films this year.

According to Box Office Vietnam, The 4 Rascals earned 332 billion VND (about USD 13 million), while Lat Mat 8: Vong Tay Nang surpassed 230 billion VND (around USD 9 million).

Despite their absence, this year’s DANAFF boasts an unprecedented lineup of commercially successful titles. Among them are Cam (approx. USD 3.9 million), The Soul Lantern (USD 4.1 million), The Real Sister (USD 4.4 million), Betting with Ghost (USD 5 million), Money Kisses (USD 8.3 million), The Ancestral Home (USD 9.5 million), and Detective Kien: The Headless Horror (USD 9.6 million).

In addition, two upcoming theatrical releases slated for June 20 are also in competition: the animated fantasy Little Scholar Quynh: The Legend of the Golden Buffalo and the supernatural thriller Ut Lan: The Vengeful Spirit's Treasure. Other entries include Once Upon a Love Story, Accidentally in Love with My Best Friend, and The Runaway Granny.

This year’s Da Nang Asian Film Festival will take place from June 29 to July 5 and promises the most expansive and dynamic edition yet.

My Anh